Some of the Constellations observing the Tower's climbers were currently steeped in anger.
Easy, Normal, Hard.
Watching those who chose their own difficulty and wagered their lives on the challenge was a spectacle in its own right.
The will to challenge adversity despite hardship was quite an entertaining sight.
But Hell difficulty.
The execution grounds, little different from a barn in the Tower, were unbearably unpleasant no matter when one watched.
A place that should be for challenge and growth had become a place of meaningless death, had it not?
[Title: Has the Tower truly gone mad?]
Author: Oldarchive
(GIF of Han Yuyeon bowing her head)
It was already absurd that they dragged in people with neither talent nor resolve just to show them dying, but to drag in a child as well?
And her class is even Maid?
They wouldn't do something like this unless they've gone mad.
- EndingCollector) I was tired of the same ending every time, but I like this kind of ending too lol
ㄴ Oldarchive) Your ending shall be getting crushed by a meteorite.
ㄴ EndingCollector) Ah, wait
A Constellation who only watched Hell difficulty expressed anger at this turn of events.
[Title: I'm writing this because it's so absurd]
Author: Swordgeezer
They tell a thoroughly immature child to survive against monsters without even giving her a weapon.
Is this fun? They should have at least given her the means to resist.
- Oldarchive) That's exactly what I'm saying!
- EndingCollector) I think so too...
ㄴ LovesFarming) This bastard came to his senses after getting hit by a meteorite
ㄴ EndingCollector) Haha
ㄴ Oldarchive) Haha
Even a Constellation who usually only lurked pointed out the Tower's system.
[Title: I thought she was my wife the moment I saw her, fuck]
Author: LovesFarming
(GIF of Han Yuyeon stretching)
She'll be gone soon.
She will be brutally broken.
Before this beautiful flower can even fully bloom.
- Oldarchive) Wife?
ㄴ LovesFarming) Stop throwing meteors, old man;;
- Swordgeezer) Wife??
ㄴ LovesFarming) Fuck, stop throwing sword beams too
A Constellation who had always cheered for and adored pretty, cute climbers expressed sorrow as well.
[Title: There's not much we can do to help in Hell Difficulty]
Author: PainofCreation
What are we supposed to do anyway?
Because of restrictions, in Hell Difficulty we can only give them food, right?
They're about to die because they don't have a weapon—what good is giving them food?
Should we at least send food as their last supper?
- Would they even want something like that right now;;
ㄴ PainofCreation) True, there's no time to eat in this situation...
- Look at her crying. It's just heartbreaking
- And we just have to watch as she gets sliced up by such trash monsters;
- If we send an S-rank, she could at least raise her stats
ㄴ You'd send an S-rank to someone about to die? lol
ㄴ You can't even sponsor during a trial in the first place
The Constellations' gazes were focused.
Because the girl facing the ghouls was shedding tears.
It was natural to be frightened.
Even though she was young, she would be old enough to fully grasp her situation.
Like those who had been dragged to Hell Difficulty and died, she must believe she too would die like that.
The ghouls' gazes were likewise focused on the girl.
The eyes of a predator looking at the weak—and prey.
The sight of them approaching the girl with filthy tongues hanging out further provoked rage.
I simply cannot watch this.
Though they were Constellations who had grown as accustomed to death as possible, few wished to deliberately watch such unpleasant and meaningless death.
Most Constellations decided to turn away and let time pass.
In one minute, the girl would die and a new victim would enter.
***
Hello. I am fried chicken.
In my imagination, freshly fried chicken flies about.
Even as I approached to catch it, I couldn't close the distance. How could this be?
How could such a cruel reality exist?
It's possible. Even Chicken-nim has the right to flee.
What incredible flight skills.
How strong must the chicken restaurant owner be who caught such a Chicken-nim?
First, I greeted the ghoul.
"Hello. I am Han Yuyeon."
"Kehek!!"
"So you are Kehek-nim. Nice to meet you."
"That can't be...?!"
"It can be."
"Kyahak!!"
I had thought without a doubt that Kehek was the name.
I dodged the claw-like thrust nails to the side.
[The Sword Realm Watcher opens its eyes wide.]
Right now, I am just like fried chicken.
An existence that cannot be caught even if one tries to catch it.
The ghoul's attacks, which showed no sign of reason, were simple, so dodging was not difficult.
The problem was that I had someone to protect, perhaps?
I had never fought while protecting something before, so the feeling was strange.
Hmm. Can people be put into subspace too?
"Pardon me for a moment."
"Yes...?"
I tried to touch Lady Rabina and put her into subspace, but failed.
It seems people don't work. A shame.
I had no choice but to send Lady Rabina to the back and step further forward.
It was a position to focus the ghouls' attention on me.
[The Sword Realm Watcher points out your recklessness.]
What's with the backseat gaming.
If you're going to kibitz, I wish you'd give me a weapon too.
And chicken, if possible.
"Do you happen to have a weapon?"
"Uh... I don't...?"
"Then what is that thing stabbed into your stomach if not a weapon?"
"Th-this, I can't pull this out...!"
True. If pulled out carelessly, it might cause excessive bleeding and death instead.
I had no intention of letting my protection target die.
"Then just stay behind me."
"No... I can't do that! A priestess of Servaine...!"
"Just stay behind me."
"Yes... yes."
I blocked the sweet potato element.
Because sweet potatoes don't go with chicken.
The only thing that goes with chicken is cider.
But no matter how much I looked around, there was nothing usable as a weapon.
But I am Han Yuyeon. The Authority of Flexible Evasion.
For now, while repeating my evasion, I focused on taking out the stone I had stored in subspace.
'Take it out. Take out the stone. Hold the stone in my hand. The stone...'
How do I take it out?
Tower-nim. This is feedback. If you're going to give me a skill, please include a manual too.
A detailed version, not a briefly explained one.
If I survive here, I'll definitely leave a review.
Tower-nim is unfriendly and there's no chicken either.
"Be careful...!"
[The Sword Realm Watcher warns you.]
The ghoul charged in blindly.
A charge using weight and speed was certainly threatening.
But I am Han Yuyeon. The Authority of Flexible Grappling.
I immediately reversed its force and threw it down, then took a victory pose for one second.
"V."
[The Sword Realm Watcher cheers.]
As I threw down the additional ghouls rushing at me, what I realized was that my physical abilities were far better than I thought.
While throwing down the ghouls that hadn't yet fainted, I opened my skill window.
「Maid's Dignity (EX): A maid's dignity is the master's dignity. Therefore, a maid must maintain her dignity anytime, anywhere.
- Mental abnormality resistance increases.
- Resists all contamination.
- Purifies the surrounding environment.
- Maintains optimal condition.
- Receives corrections on most actions.」
Maintains optimal condition.
Was this why I didn't feel tired?
Perhaps thanks to the action correction, my techniques felt like they landed well too.
At this rate, I could V all day long.
After knocking out the ghouls, I made a V with both hands.
"VV."
The so-called Maid Double Peace.
Hmm. It seemed somewhat lacking in dignity, so I corrected my posture.
The so-called Maid's Dignified Double Peace.
"Uh... how can this... what in the world are you..."
"I am Han Yuyeon."
"I wasn't asking for your name...!"
"I'm a maid."
"I can tell from the clothes...! Ugh...!"
Huh. Then what are you curious about?
The moment I blinked, Lady Rabina, who had been moving her lips, fainted.
I hurriedly approached and checked her pulse; she wasn't dead.
And so, a happy ending where everyone was happy had arrived.
Hmm. Is this scene being broadcast too?
Since I was dragged into Hell Difficulty anyway, I hope people feel less anxious while I'm here.
It was unpleasant to have elements of anxiety in humanity's daily life.
"Everyone, be happy."
That was an appropriate line.
「You have cleared the 1st floor of the Tower of Trials.
- Rabina has survived.
- Subdued the ghouls without using weapons.
- Achieved victory without allowing a single attack.」
「You will move to the 'Rest Floor' in 10 minutes.」
「Nothing is provided on the Rest Floor. Please procure necessary supplies yourself.」
With a start—Lady Rabina opened her eyes again and spoke carefully, swallowing her pain.
"Thank you for saving me... I don't know why someone like you is in a forest like this... but I will definitely repay this kindness..."
"Do you have any chicken?"
"Chicken...? What is that...?"
"You don't. Hing."
I became sad. Tears threatened to fall.
Drip. Real tears fell.
"Aaah...?! What is chicken?!"
"It is what I must search for all my life."
"Is it some kind of treasure...?!"
"Perhaps."
I suppressed the "hing hing" crying sound that tried to come out. Because crying is noisy.
An additional message from Tower-nim appeared.
「You did not retreat before the approaching threat but fought back, and protected the weak without the slightest disgrace.」
"I see. Suddenly praising me like this, I don't know what to do with myself. Thank you."
「Thanks to you, the last light of the Seonghwi Order did not go out.」
"I see. This too must be the grace of a maid. If possible, I would like chicken as my reward."
「You were truly a paragon of maids.」
「Total Evaluation: S」
「Ability Points + 5」
「Additional reward options are provided to you for showing an exemplary attitude.」
「1 - Healing Art (E)」
「2 - Swordsmanship (E)」
「3 - Marksmanship (E)」
Drip. There's no chicken here either.
As tears rolled down my cheeks, the star above twinkled intensely.
[The Sword Realm Watcher strongly appeals for itself.]
"You are twinkling."
[The Sword Realm Watcher swings its sword.]
"Save me."
[The Sword Realm Watcher drops its sword in surprise.]
It seemed like it was trying to say something to me, but it was hard to tell when the message came like this.
"Y-you can communicate with the Constellations...?!"
"To some extent."
I'm not sure if this can be called communication.
Is it telling me to choose swordsmanship? The atmosphere seemed to suggest so.
But I am Han Yuyeon. The Authority of Flexible Choice.
Even if pressure is applied, I do not yield to pressure.
I'll choose Healing Art.
「You have selected Healing Art (E).」
「The 'Divinity' stat has been unlocked.」
[The Sword Realm Watcher sheds tears.]
My my. To think it would shed tears.
It's noisy, so please go cry over there.
First, I read the skill description.
「Healing Art (E)
- You can cast Low-grade Healing Art.」
I see. Low-grade Healing Art.
Thus, I have become a slightly more flexible maid.
"Now I'll make it hurt less."
"Yes...?"
Bringing my hand close to the wounded area, I murmured internally.
Cast Healing Art. Cast Low-grade Healing Art.
... How do I cast it?
Cast it. Heal. Cure.
How do I cast it!
"Uh... are you doing something...?"
"It hurts less now, right?"
"Ah... no...?"
Drip. Drip.
Pearl-like tears flowed out.
"Ah, the pain seems to have gone away... maybe... a little...?"
I should have chosen swordsmanship.
***
Hell Difficulty broadcast.
In the everyday life where death footage was broadcast dozens of times a day, a new video was relayed.
[Hell Difficulty Climber - Han Yuyeon (Maid) (10 years old) (1st floor)]
With information that was the same as usual, yet different, the Tower Gallery instantly burst into flames.
[What? Some kid got dragged to the Tower on Hell Difficulty?]
[Have they finally resorted to kidnapping ten-year-olds?]
[Fuck, I just had a baby not long ago, I'm scared my kid will get dragged away too]
It was now a familiar occurrence for new victims to be dragged away.
However, a girl barely ten years old being dragged away was a horrific problem.
Because it meant that the unspoken rule by which the Tower had selected victims until now had changed.
No doubt the end of this video would be a scene of Han Yuyeon dying horribly.
Soon, someone else would be dragged into the Tower.
And that victim could be a young child like Han Yuyeon.
While the majority, terrified, gave up watching the video and turned away, new posts began appearing in the Gallery.
[?? What is this? How is she dodging every attack?]
[What’s with her taking down all the ghouls without even using a weapon?]
[Was maid that kind of class?]
As the titles alone announced that something extraordinary had happened, even those who had given up on watching the video began reading through the trending posts one by one.
[Title: ?? What is this? How is she dodging every attack?]
Author: Combat Analyst
(GIF of Han Yuyeon dodging a ghoul’s attack)
The reason ghouls are such absolute JOAT monsters is because they throw their whole bodies at you when they attack, but she dodges all of it.
Their claw length even changes however the hell they want, stretching and shrinking all over the place, and a ten-year-old kid dodges all of that?
If you look at her gaze, she’s even looking elsewhere here and there.
She’s dodging attacks while simultaneously keeping track of the overall situation.
Does this make any sense? Something only veteran Hunters should be able to do, and a kid like this is doing it?
- (I can do it! Mage emote)
ㄴ (Then die! Swordsman emote)
ㄴ (Is he dead...? Priest emote)
ㄴ (He’s dead... Mage emote)
ㄴ Combat Analyst) You bastards, analyze the video instead of posting emotes
By the time they finished reading one trending post, dozens more had gone up.
[Title: Her striking a victory V pose every time she flips a ghoul is cute af lololol]
Author: I’llBecomeAMagicMaster
(Picture of Han Yuyeon doing double peace signs)
No, is this really Hell difficulty?
When you see other people facing goblins while she’s facing ghouls, I guess it is Hell difficulty,
but watching her toy with ghouls that easily while doing double peace signs makes it feel unreal lol
- I’m an active B-rank Hunter, and even I couldn’t do that against those numbers
- Clearing the 1st Floor like that, when it’s basically the timing where a climber is at their weakest, makes no sense to begin with
- Just how relaxed do you have to be to pull crazy shit like that so confidently?
[Title: Know what’s really scary? Han Yuyeon didn’t even use a weapon]
Author: Pyokpyoki
To wreck a ghoul, you have to cut off its head, destroy its heart, or fight with a weapon it’s weak against, like a silver weapon.
But she wrecked them using only jujutsu, without any of that?
And she even teabagged them with peace-peace signs while flipping them?
Han Yuyeon << this bastard is just overflowing with composure
- This bastard? Is Lady Han Yuyeon your friend or something?
ㄴ Pyokpyoki) Lady Han Yuyeon is overflowing with composure
ㄴ Good lol
Around the time fervor was pouring in for Han Yuyeon like that, Han Yuyeon spoke as if greeting the camera.
“Everyone, please be happy.”
Those words, left behind by a girl dragged into Hell difficulty, were more than enough to make the whole world, which had been about to sink into frenzy, fall solemnly silent.